Council OKs Plan to Build 50 Homes

A plan to build 50 homes on a 5.1-acre parcel at Trask Avenue and Hoover Street has won City Council approval.

Tuesday’s council vote will allow Olson Co., a Seal Beach developer, to construct homes on land that is mostly vacant and was formerly zoned for manufacturing. The two-story homes will range from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet and sell for $175,000 to $200,000, officials said. Lot sizes will average 47-by-61 feet.

“This project will take an area that is in some ways blighted, clean it up and provide entry-level housing for residents,” said Don Anderson, the city’s community development director.

Councilwoman Margie L. Rice cast the only vote against the plan, saying she thought fire and trash trucks would have difficulty maneuvering in two areas of the tract. “It’s a very impacted area to get large trucks into,” Rice said.

City officials said that Westminster’s fire and trash providers have approved the layout, however.

At a public hearing Tuesday, one resident spoke against the project, saying some of the houses will face away from main streets. “It will devastate the character of the neighborhood,” resident Ken Houghton said.

Olson Co. officials disagreed, pointing out that the density of the project, 9.8 units an acre, had been lowered from earlier plans, and that a pool and children’s area have been added.

“We believe we’re cleaning up the neighborhood, not making it worse,” said Kerry Choppin, an Olson Co. director.